Report on the results of a questionnaire on the education and training system for female trainee endoscopists

Female physicians in training often need to take time off for maternity leave and/or child care during their residency and fellowship. A questionnaire on the education and training system including support structure for female trainee endoscopists was sent to 1,280 endoscopy instruction facilities accredited by the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society. Only 115 facilities filled out the questionnaire. Of these, 22 facilities (19%) have an education and training system that provides a support structure for female trainee endoscopists, takes into consideration that the female trainees may need to take time off for maternity leave and child care, and provides a smooth transition back to work after the leave period. The number of facilities with an education and training system that provides a support structure for female trainee endoscopists must be increased in Japan.